Everyday Deliberation

Reconnecting a Fractured America

Overview

Everyday Deliberation is a book in progress that reimagines democratic discourse as a daily practice, bridging traditional ideals with modern technological challenges. In an era of social fragmentation, algorithmic echo chambers, and synthetic media, Americans increasingly struggle to engage in constructive disagreement. This book challenges the assumption that democracy is in decline, showing how deliberation already occurs in unexpected spaces—from local community clubs to online forums and even human-AI interactions. By redefining deliberation as an everyday practice, the book provides a framework for revitalizing civic dialogue and strengthening democratic resilience.

Key Argument

Deliberation is not confined to political debates or structured civic forums; it unfolds across diverse settings, including social networks, digital spaces, and AI-mediated conversations. By identifying the motivations that drive people to engage in dialogue—curiosity, connection, emotional support, and problem-solving—the book maps these motivations to real-world spaces where deliberation naturally occurs. This shift in perspective allows us to reimagine civic discourse as a daily practice that can reconnect a fractured society.

What This Book Contributes

A New Model of Deliberation: Moves beyond traditional deliberative theory to propose a complex systems approach that connects interpersonal, digital, and AI-mediated dialogues.
Insights into Digital & AI Communication: Examines how online platforms and AI technologies influence the quality and inclusivity of public discourse.
Practical Pathways for Civic Engagement: Provides actionable strategies for fostering everyday deliberation in both face-to-face and technology-driven interactions.

Chapters at a Glance

Chapter 1 - Democracy Is Alive and Well Challenges the assumption that democracy is in crisis by showing where and why people engage in meaningful deliberation. Uses national surveys and interviews to map deliberation across different settings.
Chapter 2 - Taking Habermas Out of the Coffee House Explores how grassroots organizations and social clubs foster deliberation. Uses ethnographic research and interviews to understand why people engage in these spaces and how they build social capital.
Chapter 3 - Digital Democracy: The Problem May Be the Solution Investigates how online platforms—even those known for controversy—can serve as deliberative spaces. A case study of Reddit's r/AmItheAsshole reveals how entertainment-driven discussions facilitate moral reasoning and social learning.
Chapter 4 - Can AI Strengthen Civic Dialogue—or Weaken It? Examines AI's role in public discourse through experimental research, testing how AI can function as a deliberative facilitator, challenger, or emotional supporter. Proposes design principles for AI-driven deliberation
Chapter 5 - Seeding Civic Dialogue: Pathways to a Reconnected America Synthesizes key insights into a practical roadmap for embedding deliberation into everyday life, offering strategies for individuals, communities, and policymakers.

Why This Book Matters

At a time of deep political and social divisions, Everyday Deliberation offers a research-backed approach to rebuilding civic dialogue in a way that is accessible, sustainable, and technology-inclusive. By bridging classical democratic ideals with modern communication challenges, the book provides a hopeful yet realistic pathway for a more connected and deliberative society.

Stay Updated

This book is an ongoing project, and I welcome engagement from scholars and practitioners as I refine its ideas.